Former eastern NC pastor pleads guilty to sex crimes from 90s

A former eastern North Carolina pastor has pleaded guilty to child sex crimes dating back to the 1990s.

James Watford was accused of engaging in sex acts with a 13-to-14 year old boy between 1995 and 1997.

He pleaded guilty to second-degree sex offense and indecent liberties with a child. Both are felonies.

A judge sentenced the 78-year-old to at least five years in prison.

Watford was once the pastor of New Roundtree Temple Church of God in Christ in Bertie County before his arrest.